After receiving the award, Haroon Lorgat said "I am delighted to receive the ICC Test mace and prize money, not just on behalf of the players and the team management but on behalf of all South Africans. I know the players relish the enormous privilege of representing our country and also appreciate the responsibility that goes with it."

This is the second time, since the current ranking system was introduced in 2003, the South Africans have finished as the number-one ranked Test side on the stipulated deadline date.

They have now held the ranking since August 2012, and are the fourth side, after Australia, England and India, to achieve the distinction.

Australia claimed second place and a prize of US$ 370,000 while India and England received US$ 265,000 and US$ 160,000 respectively for ending the cycle in third and fourth.